Garlic is a popular vegetable widely cultivated for its medicinal and culinary properties. However, fungal attacks account for a considerable loss in garlic yield each year. Fungal attacks on garlic are generally caused by soil-borne pathogens such as white rot, pink rot, or black mold. To avoid these attacks and increase the yield, garlic farmers must adopt appropriate control methods to protect their crops.
One of the first steps in preventing fungal attacks on garlic is to choose healthy planting materials, such as disease-free or resistant garlic bulbs. Another vital step is to prepare the soil correctly to enhance garlic growth by reducing the pH levels in the soil to an optimum range of 6.5-7.5. This pH range is ideal for the growth of garlic and reduces the chances of fungal attacks.
In addition to soil preparation, farmers can use fungicides to control and prevent fungal attacks on garlic. Fungicides can be applied to the soil or to the foliage of the plant to prevent fungal attacks. However, it’s important to choose the right fungicides that are effective against specific fungal pathogens responsible for the attack.
Crop rotation is another effective control method for fungal attacks in garlic. Farmers should avoid planting garlic in the same place for several years since soil-borne pathogens will thrive in the soil and cause fungal attacks. Other crops such as beans, potatoes, or peas can be planted in the rotated field to reduce the chances of attack.
Finally, cultural practices such as timely irrigation, fertilizer application, and proper weeding can also help prevent fungal attacks in garlic crops. Farmers should also maintain good hygiene in the field by clearing debris and removing infected plant residues that could harbor fungal pathogens.
In conclusion, farmers can prevent and control fungal attacks on garlic crops by adopting appropriate control methods such as crop rotation, soil preparation, and use of fungicides. Farmers should also practice good hygiene and other cultural practices and choose healthy planting material to prevent attacks and maximize their garlic yield.